Lombok has long been considered one of Indonesia’s most appealing alternatives to Bali. Located just east of Bali, the island is relatively easy to reach while offering a very different atmosphere, with quieter coastal villages, dramatic hills, traditional communities, and an impressive variety of beaches.
Often called the “Island of a Thousand Mosques,” Lombok could just as easily earn another nickname: the island of a thousand beaches. From the popular coastline of South Lombok to secluded shores in East Lombok and the island-dotted waters of West Lombok, there is a beach for almost every type of traveler.
Some beaches are ideal for swimming and relaxing, while others are better known for surfing, snorkeling, spectacular viewpoints, or simply escaping the crowds. Many of the island’s most beautiful beaches feature white or pale golden sand, clear turquoise water, rocky headlands, and green coastal hills.
If you are planning a beach holiday in Indonesia, these are some of the best beaches in Lombok to include on your itinerary.
Table of Contents
- Gili Trawangan
- Setangi Beach
- Senggigi Beach
- Pink Beach
- Kuta Beach Lombok
- Mawi Beach
- Tanjung Aan Beach
- Tanjung Ringgit
- Sekotong
- Selong Belanak Beach
- Tips for Exploring Lombok’s Beaches
- Frequently Asked Questions
1. Gili Trawangan
Gili Trawangan is one of the most famous beach destinations associated with Lombok. Although technically a separate island in the Gili Islands, it is commonly included in Lombok itineraries because of its proximity to the mainland and its popularity among international travelers.
The island is surrounded by clear tropical waters and colorful coral reefs, making it a popular destination for snorkeling and diving in Lombok. Visitors can also explore the coastline by bicycle or traditional cidomo, a horse-drawn carriage that has long been part of the island’s character.
One of the most memorable experiences is watching the sunset from the western side of the island. Early risers can also enjoy sunrise views from the opposite coast.
Unlike mainland Lombok, Gili Trawangan has no conventional motorized transport, helping maintain its relaxed island atmosphere.
2. Setangi Beach
For travelers searching for a quieter coastal escape, Setangi Beach offers a very different experience from the busier beach destinations around Lombok.
Located on the northwestern coast of the island, Setangi is characterized by a long shoreline, tropical vegetation, and a combination of darker and lighter sand. The beach is considerably less developed than some of Lombok’s major tourist areas, which gives it a more natural atmosphere.
The waves can be relatively strong, making the beach more suitable for experienced surfers and coastal exploration than casual swimming. Visitors should always check the sea conditions before entering the water.
Setangi is particularly appealing if your idea of a tropical beach involves fewer visitors, open scenery, and a peaceful environment.
3. Senggigi Beach
Before South Lombok became the island’s major tourism hub, Senggigi Beach was one of Lombok’s best-known coastal destinations. It remains an important stop for travelers staying around the western part of the island.
The long coastline combines sandy beaches, rocky sections, coconut palms, and views across the sea toward Bali. Sunset is one of the highlights, especially when the sky becomes illuminated behind the western horizon.
Senggigi is also convenient for travelers who want access to different activities. Depending on the conditions, visitors can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, fishing, and surfing.
The surrounding area also offers opportunities to explore local culture. Nearby Batu Bolong Temple, built on a rocky outcrop overlooking the sea, is one of the better-known cultural landmarks along the coast.
4. Pink Beach
One of the most unusual beaches in Lombok is Pink Beach, located in Sekaroh in East Lombok. Its local name is Pantai Tangsi, but it became widely known as Pink Beach because of the reddish or pinkish appearance of its sand.
The distinctive color comes from the combination of pale sand and fragments of red coral and other marine material. The intensity of the pink color can vary depending on sunlight, weather, tides, and the condition of the beach.
The surrounding landscape adds to the appeal. Rocky hills and small cliffs frame the coastline, while the relatively sheltered waters can provide pleasant conditions for swimming and snorkeling when the sea is calm.
Because Pink Beach is located in the southeastern part of Lombok, reaching it requires more travel time than many beaches around Kuta. However, its unusual scenery makes it an interesting destination for travelers exploring East Lombok beaches.
5. Kuta Beach Lombok
Do not confuse Kuta Beach Lombok with Kuta Beach in Bali. They share the same name but offer very different surroundings.
Kuta Beach is located in South Lombok and forms part of the wider Mandalika tourism area. The beach is known for its light-colored sand, clear water, and surrounding hills.
The coastline has become considerably more accessible in recent years, but the broader South Lombok region still offers plenty of opportunities to discover quieter beaches and coastal viewpoints.
For visitors staying in Kuta, the beach is also a convenient base for exploring nearby attractions such as Tanjung Aan, Mawun, Mawi, and Selong Belanak.
Swimming, relaxing on the sand, enjoying the coastal scenery, and exploring nearby viewpoints are among the activities available around the area. Surfing is also popular at several beaches along the southern coast.
6. Mawi Beach
Mawi Beach is one of the beaches that has become particularly popular with surfers. Located west of Kuta in South Lombok, it combines a beautiful natural setting with waves that attract experienced riders.
The beach is surrounded by hills, giving it a more secluded feeling than some of the better-known destinations in the Mandalika area.
Even if you do not surf, Mawi is worth visiting for its scenery. Walking up the surrounding hills provides elevated views over the coastline and the Indian Ocean. From certain viewpoints, you can also see nearby beaches, including Semeti.
The hills are especially attractive in the late afternoon when the changing light creates excellent conditions for photography and sunset views.
Because conditions can vary, swimmers should take care around the waves and follow local advice before entering the water.
7. Tanjung Aan Beach
Tanjung Aan is one of the most recognizable beaches in South Lombok and a popular stop for travelers exploring the Mandalika coastline.
The beach curves around a beautiful bay, creating a picturesque combination of turquoise water, pale sand, and green hills. One of the interesting features of Tanjung Aan is the variation in sand texture along different sections of the beach. Some areas have distinctive grainy sand, while others have much finer sand.
The surrounding hills provide excellent viewpoints, particularly Bukit Merese, which overlooks the coastline. Climbing the hill around sunset is one of the most popular experiences in the area.
Tanjung Aan is suitable for travelers who want a mixture of swimming, relaxing, photography, coastal walks, and scenic viewpoints.
Its location also makes it easy to combine with other South Lombok beaches, especially Kuta Beach and several smaller coastal spots nearby.
8. Tanjung Ringgit
If dramatic coastal scenery is what you are looking for, Tanjung Ringgit in East Lombok deserves a place on your itinerary.
Unlike the wide sandy beaches of South Lombok, Tanjung Ringgit is better known for its high cliffs overlooking the ocean. From the headland, visitors can enjoy expansive views across the sea and, on clear days, toward Sumbawa.
The area also has historical remains connected with the Japanese occupation of Indonesia during World War II, including old defensive structures and gun emplacements.
Some areas around the cliffs are rugged and require care, particularly when approaching steep sections or exploring less-developed paths. It is advisable to follow local guidance rather than attempting difficult routes independently.
Tanjung Ringgit is therefore less about spending the entire day swimming and more about experiencing Lombok’s dramatic coastline and remote landscapes.
9. Sekotong
Located in West Lombok, Sekotong is a coastal region rather than a single beach. It is surrounded by beautiful bays, green hills, small islands, and clear tropical waters.
The area is especially interesting for travelers who want to explore the quieter side of Lombok. Several offshore islands can be reached by boat, providing opportunities for snorkeling, swimming, island hopping, and enjoying uncrowded beaches.
From elevated points around Sekotong, visitors can also enjoy panoramic views across the surrounding islands and, under suitable conditions, toward Bali’s Mount Agung.
The combination of mainland beaches and nearby islands makes Sekotong an excellent option for travelers interested in snorkeling in Lombok and exploring the island’s western coastline.
10. Selong Belanak Beach
Selong Belanak is one of the most popular beaches in South Lombok and is particularly well known for its broad crescent-shaped bay and beginner-friendly surfing conditions.
The beach has a wide stretch of pale sand bordered by green hills. The sheltered shape of the bay creates a scenic setting, while the relatively manageable waves in certain areas make it a popular place for travelers who want to learn how to surf.
Surf schools and instructors operate around the beach, making it possible for beginners to take lessons before heading into the water.
If surfing is not your thing, you can simply relax on the sand, swim when conditions are suitable, or enjoy fresh food and drinks at local beachside warungs.
Sunset is another highlight. As the sun moves toward the horizon, the surrounding hills and curved shoreline create a beautiful backdrop for an evening by the sea.
Tips for Exploring the Beaches of Lombok
Lombok’s beaches are spread across different parts of the island, so trying to visit all of them in a single day is not practical.
If you are staying in Kuta Lombok, focus on South Lombok beaches such as Tanjung Aan, Mawi, and Selong Belanak. Travelers staying in Senggigi or Mataram can explore the western coastline, including Senggigi and the beaches around Sekotong.
For a more adventurous itinerary, dedicate additional time to East Lombok and visit destinations such as Pink Beach and Tanjung Ringgit.
Remember that not every beautiful beach is suitable for swimming. Ocean conditions can change quickly, particularly along exposed southern coastlines. Always check local conditions, pay attention to warning signs, and follow advice from local guides or beach operators.
It is also worth bringing drinking water, sun protection, comfortable footwear, and some cash when visiting remote beaches, where facilities may be limited.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lombok Beaches
What is the most beautiful beach in Lombok?
There is no single answer because Lombok’s beaches offer very different experiences. Tanjung Aan is known for its scenic bay and surrounding hills, Selong Belanak is popular for its wide sandy beach and surfing, while Pink Beach is famous for its distinctive sand color.
Which part of Lombok has the best beaches?
South Lombok has one of the highest concentrations of well-known beaches, particularly around Kuta and the Mandalika area. East Lombok and West Lombok also offer beautiful and less-developed coastal destinations.
Can you swim at the beaches in Lombok?
Swimming is possible at many Lombok beaches, but conditions vary. Some beaches have calm, sheltered water, while others have strong waves and currents and are more suitable for surfing or sightseeing. Always check local sea conditions before swimming.
What is the best beach in Lombok for surfing?
Selong Belanak is well known for beginner surfing, while beaches such as Mawi are more popular with experienced surfers. Surf conditions depend on the season, swell, tides, and weather.
How many days do you need to explore Lombok’s beaches?
At least three to four days gives you enough time to explore several beaches around South Lombok. If you want to include East Lombok, West Lombok, and the Gili Islands, consider spending a week or more on the island.
Discover the Coastal Beauty of Lombok
From the famous beaches of South Lombok to the remote cliffs of East Lombok and the island-dotted coastline of the west, Lombok offers far more than a single tropical beach experience.
The island’s appeal comes from its variety. You can spend one day learning to surf at Selong Belanak, watch the sunset from the hills above Tanjung Aan, explore the unusual colors of Pink Beach, and then escape to a quieter coastal area such as Sekotong.
For travelers looking beyond the busiest destinations in Indonesia, Lombok provides an opportunity to experience beautiful beaches, dramatic landscapes, traditional villages, and a slower island atmosphere—all within a relatively compact destination.